Improvement in step-covers



nANxEL P. DIETER-ICH &-R\CHARD M. POPHAM.-

Improvement in Step-Covers.

N021. 115,717. I Patentedlune 6,1811.

'UNITED STATES DANIEL POPHAM DIETERIGH AND RICHARD MORRIS POPHAM, 0F PHILA- DELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNORS TO DANIEL POPHAM DIETERICH.

IMPROVEMENT IN STEP-COVERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 115,717, dated une 6, 1871.

We,DANIELPOPHAMDIETERICHandRrcn- A Ann Mounts Pornmu, both of Philadelphia, county of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, have invented an Improved Step-(lover, of which the following is a speciiication:

Nature and Olgjcct of the Invention.

Figure lis a sectional perspective view of our improved step-cover; Fig. 2, a sectional view of the same; and Fig. 3, a perspective view of a portion of a night of steps or stairway, showing methods of securing the cover to the steps.

General Description. In Figs. 1 and 2, A represents the complete cover, which consists in the present instanceof a sheet or slab of vulcanized rubber or guti ta-percha beveled on all four edges, and contained within a metal or other frame composed of strips b overlapping each other at the corners, where they are secured together by screws c, and undercut or beveled on their inneredges,

as shown, so as to correspond with the beveled edges of the rubber and thus retain the latA ter within the frame when the cover is secured to a step. It is important that the rubber should project slightly above the frame, as shown in the drawing; but it is not essential that the frame should be made as above dei scribed. It might, for instance, be cast in one piece, or consist of a plate recessed or having projections or ribs to retaln the edges of the rubber; or the said plate might have a perfectly plain surface, to which the rubber could be cemented or otherwise secured. We prefer, however, to use an open frame, either itorined in one piece or consisting of several pieces joined together at the corners, the inner edges of such frame being simply beveled,

as before described, or dovetailed or recessed in any manner, so as to retain the edges of ends exposed; but we prefer that a complete and connected frame should be employed.

We are aware that blocks of rubber have been let into the tops of iron steps cast with recesses in them, or otherwise specially prepared for the reception of the rubber, the latter being used to protect the steps or to prevent slipping upon the smooth surface of the iron. This plan answers the purpose well, but is of very limited application-an objection which lis fully overcome by the use of our improved step-cover, which, being complete in itself, can be attached to the top of any step, whether of metal, wood, or stone, and can be as readily detached from the same when no longer required for use, no Vinjury or defacement ofthe step resulting from the use of this cover, as the step does not require to be recessed or otherwise especially prepared for its reception.

Vlhe readiest method of securing the cover to a step is by screws passing through the corners cof the frame and into the step, as shown in Fig. 3, the saine screws being used for attaching the lowermost cover A to the step thatserve to connect the several parts of the frame together.

A frame cast in one piece is shown at Al 'and A2 in Fig. 3, the latter frame, whichmay.

be supposed to rest upon a marble or stone step, being secured to the same in any manner, other than by screws, which will not deface the step.

The cover can be used for front-door steps, iron steps in public buildings, carpeted stain ways in hotels or dwellings, or, in fact, wherever it is desired to prevent noise in walking, to protect the steps, and to prevent slipping upon the same,

Although we have referred tothe use of rubber only in connection with our vimproved step-cover, it will be evident that rubber combined with fabrics or other substances, or cork, felt, or other suitable material combined with a frame in the same manner as the rubber,

ron.y

may be used Without departing from our in- In testimony whereof We have signed our vention. names to this specification in the presence of Claim two subscribing witnesses. n

D. P. DIETERIGH.

As a new article of manufacture, a step cover or protector, consisting of rubber or equivaient material inclosed in or secured to a frame Witnessesz. V or plate, and adapted. to the top of a step, as WM. A. STEEL, specified. FRANK B. RICHARDS.

R. M. POPHAM. 

